Patio Pondering: The Lost Carrot

This morning I have no responsibilities other than to reflect and enjoy my cup of coffee as I gaze across the campsite at our county fairgrounds. My son is off doing chores while I savor the quiet solitude, interrupted only by the steady hum of generators in the background.

Last night in the sheep barn, an old friend and I found ourselves leaning on the sheep show box far longer than planned, talking about today’s young people and the strange challenges we see. One line stuck with me: some kids today don’t even know what “dangling a carrot” means.

That image says a lot. Somewhere along the way, we seem to have lost the art of showing how effort connects to reward — or maybe we’ve wrapped our young people in so much structure and instant gratification that the idea of working towards something just out of reach feels foreign.

But here’s the thing: this isn’t just a youth issue. The same challenge shows up in the workplace every day. Motivating people, whether they’re fifteen or fifty, is harder than ever in a world where so many expect quick results and minimal effort. Good managers have to find ways to “dangle the carrot” that feel fair, clear, and worth chasing; and sometimes that’s an uphill battle.

So as I watch the fairgrounds wake up this morning, I find myself wondering: Are we still willing to connect extra effort with meaningful reward both at home and at work? It’s not just on the student or employee to push harder; it’s also on us as parents, coaches, and managers to notice that extra effort, reward it fairly, and never take it for granted. Otherwise, people stop going the extra mile; and once that spark burns out, it’s hard to reignite.